At the recent launch event for the WWE 2K video game series, Paul Heyman spoke candidly with Mike Johnson of PWInsider about the long-awaited return of an Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) video game featuring modern graphics. Heyman urged wrestling fans to actively pressure 2K Sports, emphasizing the need for persistent demands similar to ECW’s successful efforts in the 1990s to gain cable pay-per-view coverage.
Bug them. Nag them. Email them. Call them. Harass them,
Heyman stated.
Same way we did with Cablevision back in the 1990s. Initiate a campaign that makes 2K Sports have no other option but to have an ECW game.
Unexpected Stories from ECW’s Fire-Filled Past
The interview also touched on the inclusion of the Inferno Match in WWE 2K’s latest game, leading Heyman to recall his own controversial experiences with fire during his time managing ECW. Contrary to orchestrating fiery matches, Heyman revealed the shocking fact that fans themselves were sometimes set aflame during events, illustrating the promotion’s extreme nature.
I didn’t do a match with fire. We just set our fans on fire,
Heyman remarked.
Which was a typical night in ECW… No, we set a fan on fire.
Heyman’s Take on His Role in WWE 2K24 and Future Covers
Reflecting on his involvement in the current WWE 2K24 video game, Heyman praised the product and spoke with humor and humility about his prominence within it. He revealed that while the game was named WWE 2K24, there was an initial intention to subtitle it “starring The Bloodline,” a nod to the faction he manages on-screen. Heyman hinted that future editions might feature The Bloodline, possibly alongside Brock Lesnar, but left that decision open to others.
I love it. I think I’m the best part of the game. To be, you know, with all humility aside,
Heyman said.
And you know like when they named it WWE 2K24, they wanted to name it WWE 2K24 starring The Bloodline. And I wanted to take a more humble approach, so we just let them have WWE 2K24. And most likely next year put The Bloodline on the cover. Or, or, The Bloodline and Brock Lesnar. But I’ll let other people make that decision.
Commentary on CM Punk’s Return and WWE’s Top Stars
Heyman also weighed in on the high-profile return of CM Punk to WWE, underlining the success of wrestlers associated with him. Highlighting Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar, both managed by Heyman, he emphasized a pattern of “Paul Heyman guys” ascending to the top of the industry and eventually returning to WWE’s main stage. Heyman expressed pride in Punk’s comeback and his status as WWE Champion, forecasting that Punk would eventually reconnect with his former adviser.
I’m very proud of the fact that CM Punk came back to WWE because it’s a true testament to the fact that all Paul Heyman guys rise to the top,
Heyman explained.
Who was on the cover of the video game last year? Roman Reigns. Also a Paul Heyman guy. So I just think it’s a testament to the fact that all Paul Heyman guys always come back home. Like Brock Lesnar. They all come back home sooner or later. And Punk is out there right now flexing his power as the WWE Champion and at some point he’s going to find out that he misses his wise man and come back home.
Maintaining Creativity and Passion After Decades in Wrestling
When discussing how he keeps his creativity alive after many years in the wrestling business, Heyman credited his enduring love for the product and its presentation. He admitted that as long as he remains inspired by the WWE universe, he will continue actively shaping its creative direction.
I still love what I do. And I still love the product itself, and I still love the presentation of the product,
Heyman said.
And the day that I wake up and I’m not inspired by the product, is the day I won’t be creative about it and won’t participate in the creative process. But as long as I love it to the extent and I lust for it to the extent that I do, every time I wake up in the morning, it’s something I passionately look forward to.
Early Career Challenges and Advice for Aspiring Wrestling Professionals
Heyman recounted his start as a ringside photographer in New York and shared anecdotes about his interactions with notable wrestling journalists George Napolitano and Bill Apter. Offering guidance to those seeking careers in wrestling, Heyman emphasized perseverance and advocated for pursuing passion rather than financial gain.
It’s the same advice. Don’t let anybody impede on your dreams,
Heyman advised.
Get in there and for the record I never elbowed George Napolitano. I stepped on his foot. I elbowed Bill Apter. And boy did Frank Amato deserve it. He deserved both elbows and a foot up his a**. So it’s just a matter of if you want to do something with your life, that’s what you pursue. If you’re pursuing a number in a bank account instead of living out a dream, your pursuits are really, really messed up, and so are your priorities. Seek out to be happy, and you’ll find happiness.
Life Lessons from WWE Founder Vince McMahon Sr.
Heyman highlighted a motivational saying from WWE founder Vince McMahon Sr. that captures the essence of pursuing work with passion. McMahon Sr. contrasted his enthusiasm for going to work with others who view it as a burden, advising to embrace the opportunity to do what one loves every day.
Vince McMahon Sr had a great saying. He was telling a bunch of people one day in the Garden… that so many of his friends wake up in the morning and say, ‘Oh, I have to go to work today,’
Heyman recalled.
And Vince Sr said, ‘I wake up every morning and say I get to go to work today.’ Make that be your life motto. Wake up every morning pissed off that already other people are getting to do what you love to do… So you find your passion, you pursue it with everything you have, and you enjoy the journey, bumps, bruises, peaks, valleys and all.
Prediction for WrestleMania’s Main Event Between Reigns and Rhodes
Looking ahead to WrestleMania’s headline match between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, Heyman confidently predicted the victory would go to the wrestler under his management. His statement suggested a continuation of his influence over the company’s key storylines and champions.
I see that match won by the Paul Heyman guy,
Heyman said.
